The History and Significance of Native American Water Drums

Rhythm and sound are essential elements of every culture in the world. The power of music to move and inspire us is undeniable, and this is particularly evident in the musical traditions of Native Americans. For thousands of years, Native Americans have been using drums as part of their ceremonies, with the water drum being one of the most fascinating and unique examples.

The Iroquois tribe is famous for their small wooden water drum, which features a tanned hide that produces different sounds depending on the amount of water added and the level of wetness of the drum's coat. There are two main types of Native American water drums: the Southwestern water drum, made from a large gourd cut in half and floating in a basin of water, and the Northeastern water drum, which is like a miniature, water-filled barrel with a tanned leather drumhead sealing the mouth. The Northeastern water drums are particularly intriguing as they are constructed and perform completely unlike other drums that rely on taut leather drumheads to make the sound. Instead, they rely on a moistened leather drumhead tightened by forcing a cloth-covered ring down over a tapering body, and the sound is regulated by water held inside the drum chamber.

There are several ways to construct a water drum, each with its unique characteristics. The first and probably the oldest is a hollowed-out log with the outside carved to a taper to allow the tightening hoop to properly tighten the drumhead. The second uses standard Euroamerican coopered construction, which is identical to the ubiquitous 19th-century wooden firkin bucket. The third is a modern Haudenosaunee variation of the coopered style, with staves that are glued together with waterproof glue. All of these constructions eventually loosen or crack and leak the watery contents, so old ones are usually sealed on the inside with a mix of sap and charcoal or common tar.

Yaqui water drums are made out of a gourd that’s cut in half and placed in a basin of water. The shaman or drummer hits the gourd with a stick, and the vibrations that are produced cause the water to resonate. Water drums are often associated with Navajo music, but they have also been used by other tribes, including the Yaqui people.

While there are many ways to create a Native American drum, the most common procedure involves a base and animal hide. Logs are hollowed out, and the leather is placed in water for a few hours to soak. Once the hide is pliable, it can be stretched over the surface of the log to dry. The hide that they stretched over the drum was believed to bring a unique spirit to the drum and came from animals that they hunted for food. Historically, the coats came from elk or deer, while today they are usually cowhide. Various images are also added to help connect the drummer to the instrument. The paint used is often made from natural materials such as berries or roots, with red rock powder being a common source for the iconic earthy red color seen in Native American art.

Even the shape of Native American drums is symbolic, as the circle stands for the circle of earth and life. Native Americans are known for using everything they could from an animal, that’s truly sustainable! Once the drum is chosen or made, although hard to resist, it is the Native American healing belief that it should not be played until what is referred to as the sacred awakening ceremony takes place.

The sacred awakening ceremony from the birth of the drum to its awakening generally lasts seven days but may vary throughout different tribes or cultures. During this ceremony, there are also prayers and the giving of thanks to the animal and tree that gave their lives for the creation of the drum, prayers and ritual smudging of the drum and drummer before it is played, and prayers to the people who hear the teaching of the drum. It is believed that the voice of the drum is awakened during this sacred ceremony, and the drum is given a name.

Native American drums are not only instruments of music, but they are also a sacred symbol of their culture and traditions. The creation and use of drums are embedded in their beliefs, and it reflect their deep connection with nature and the spiritual world. The use of drums in ceremonies and rituals is not just for entertainment, but it also plays a significant role in healing and bringing communities together. Moreover, the art of drum-making is passed down from generation to generation, which makes it an integral part of their cultural heritage. By understanding the history and significance of Native American drums, we can appreciate and respect their culture and traditions.

Picture from native-drums.ca